EGLISE DE VILLEGENON

The church of Villegenon, located in the Cher, is dedicated to Saint George. It is a discreet but charming building, typical of the Country-Fort, which bears witness to centuries of local history.

• XVth century: The main part of the current structure dates from the late Middle Ages (Gothic style). The parish was originally linked to the abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire.

• 18th – 19th centuries: The church has undergone major changes. It was added side chapels and its current bell tower in the 19th century.

• 1930: The building was included in the additional inventory of Historic Monuments (Order of 22 March 1930).

The church is distinguished by a mixture of local materials (silex, black stone and limestone) and some notable elements:

• The bell tower: It is a small prismatic belfry surmounted by a very pointed arrow, which has the peculiarity of being slightly tilted.

• The frame: Inside, the frame is partially apparent, revealing « muzzles » (horizontal beams whose ends are carved in the shape of heads of animals appearing « swallow » the beam).

• The structure: It has a nave of four spans with bottom-sides, ending with a flat bedside (a straight bottom wall, without rounded apse).

• The Master altar and the altarpiece: The choir houses a beautiful wooden altar carved. There are often representations of Saint George, the patron saint of the parish, terrorizing the dragon, a symbol of the victory of faith over evil.

• The Statuary: The church has several ancient statues in polychrome wood or stone, including a representation of Saint George and probably a Virgin with Child. These statues date from the 17th or 18th century.

• Benches and Boiseries: As in many churches in the Pays-Fort, old oak benches and choir woodwork can be seen, which bear witness to the know-how of local artisans of the past centuries.

• The stained glass: Although more recent (often from the 19th century), the stained glass windows filter the light so as to highlight the limestone and flint of the structure.

Legends and Traditions of Saint Georges

The figure of Saint Georges is central to Villegenon and marked the local culture:

• Legend of the Dragon: As everywhere St.Georges is honored, legend wants him to save a princess by terrorizing a dragon. In Villegenon, this figure once symbolized the struggle against the wild forces of nature and dense forests in the Pays-Fort.

• The Holy Protector: Saint George was traditionally invoked for the protection of horses and cattle, the pillars of the local agricultural economy. It was not uncommon for fairs or animal blessings to take place around his party (April 23).